2008 Arabian horse Association Convention Report

Ann Benson - prairieviewfarm@msn.com

As conventions go, this one was relatively quiet.  We did have officer elections with the results being; president - Lance Walters, vice-president – Dale Harvill, Treasurer - Frank Galovic and Secretary – Jan Decker. 

Most controversial is the double judged show approval for 2009.  Region 10 Clubs made the decision not to try this venue until it has been tested by others.  This is a dramatic change and will affect both exhibitors and trainers at many different levels.  It has not been very well thought out at this time.

The Registration Commission report on the Arabian horse in America was somewhat bleak.  There were 7,000 foals registered in 2008.  This is down 2/3rds from the highest numbers in the 1980’s.  We are currently behind Mini Horse and Walking Horse registration numbers.  73% of our horses are 16 years old or older.  Our mare to stallion ratio is 1 to 2.5%, compared to Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse ratios at 1 to 5%.  The overall conclusion is that breeding is way down and that people are simply not registering their foals.   There are many complex reasons for this.  Some of the more prevalent reasons are financially related, difficulty in selling offspring, not showing or not showing in breed shows and lack of perceived value in the Sweepstakes Program.  These are just a few of the challenges we face with declining registration.  I would foresee a continuation of the decline in numbers as the realities of the recession come to light over 2009.

Our membership registration is down 3,000 Year to Date.  Shelia Varian left us with this insightful prediction, “when our broodmares again have value, our industry has recovered.”

Conversation about 2008 US Nationals was hot and heavy in every breakout room and hallway.  We are committed to stay in Tulsa through the 2010 show at which time the contract will need to be renewed or the venue changed.  Here are a few of the issues that were brought before the Show Committee:

  • Dissatisfaction with the halter schedule, in 2009 halter will be moved back into the general schedule.
  • Poor footing in some areas will be reviewed and corrected.
  • A panel of representatives from all disciplines will be convened to determine schedule flow.
  • Skyboxes were considered inadequate and will be reviewed.
  • The sound system in the Pavillion will be improved as well as in some of the barns.
  • Peter Conway is researching the opportunity to solicit corporate sponsors for naming rights at all National shows.  This could potentially increase prize money.
  • There were mixed comments about the size of the Pavillion and it’s suitability as a performance venue.

Overall, there seemed to be a desire on the behalf of the Show Commission to hear our concerns and work toward resolution.  After all, we are there for two more years.

Sweepstakes results continue to show positive results.  2008 payouts are estimated to be $20 per point with the average horse earning 20 points.  That’s a $400 payout on a $100 investment!  Now that is a remarkable return in this economy.  We should all go out and put our horses in the Sweepstakes point program.  Payments will be mailed by the end of the first quarter.

53% of the total yearly Sweepstakes money goes to the point program, 26% to the Regional shows and 21% to the Nationals.  As part of the points program, the stallion owner receives 5% of all points earned by the stallion’s offspring and the breeder receives 10%.

In 2009 National Endurance and Competitive Trail will be added to the Sweepstakes Program.  Second level Dressage will be split between Purebred and Half-Arab.  Distance riders points will be paid only for the Purebred and Half-Arab horses that they beat in the competition.

We were shown a preview of the Arabian Horse Gallery being constructed at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington.  It is scheduled for a fall 2009 opening.  We saw a preview of a beautiful history film due for release in 2009.  It showcased the opening of the archival vault of treasures amassed by the Association.  I’m sure that we will all want to see this beautiful museum.  It will truly showcase our horses to the world.  It will feature interactive venues, film as well as art treasures.  Our Club was one of many to pledge support to the Gallery.

James Hickey from the American Horse Council spoke on issues concerning the broader horse community.  Some of the areas he addressed were:

  • Farm expense deductions will increase from $125,000 to $250,000 in 2009.
  • Depreciation allowances will increase in 2009.
  • Horses are now considered livestock allowing losses to be eligible for Disaster Trust Fund relief.
  • A Racing Equine Equity Act was passed by congress.

Other issues still on the table in Washington relate to Agricultural job immigrants status, access to trails and horse welfare.  Obviously with economic conditions worsening, there is a huge increase in unwanted and abandoned horses.  For more information on this issue, go to www.unwanted horse coalition.com.

The National’s judges for 2009 were announced and may be reviewed on the AHA web site.  We currently have 282 judges, 153 National’s judges and 131 Stewards.  The next Judge’s School is March 13-15 in Denver, Co.  I highly recommend the school for any Arabian enthusiast.  It is very educational no matter what your level of involvement.

The people of Denver were gracious and welcoming.   Hotel accommodations and meeting facilities were comfortable. The President’s banquet was very nice.  Many awards were presented.  Our own Laura Mickelson was presented with a well deserved National award. There was great entertainment by a men’s singing group. The most important aspect of the convention to me is the opportunity to learn, network and be actively involved in the Arabian Horse community.

Thanks to all MAHA members for selecting me to represent you and your interests at the 2008 Convention.

Respectively submitted,

Ann Benson